It's common knowledge that some of the most successful investors are "contrarians." That means when everyone is going one direction, contrarians go another.

How does this relate to travel?

The National Parks were hit with the sequestration in 2013 and they had to cut five percent from their budgets. Roads were opened later, some visitor centers were closed and fewer seasonal workers were hired. When there is anything negative, travelers have a tendency to stay away. They feel their leisure time is precious and want NOTHING to interfere with their plans. Looking ahead in 2014 we see that Park attendance will in all likelihood be somewhat down, as travelers have mentally clicked this off their wish list. That trend will probably last for a year. So, while attendance to the National Parks will be down, what does that mean for you and your travelers.....

The parks will be as beautiful as ever. Now is the time to plan on traveling to a National Park and taking advantage of the lack of crowds.

The West features the most popular parks, beginning with Yellowstone. Mayflower offers four unique itineraries to Yellowstone. Our newest Parks program is Big Bend National Park located in Southern Texas combined with Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico. Our most popular tour is Pacific Coast Journey with Crater Lake National Park and Redwood National Park.

What makes these National Parks tours unique is lodging right in the park in most cases. Park Rangers are usually your step-on guides. Tour via local train, scenic cruises, jeep rides and more. Dine on local cuisine whether it's an Alaska Salmon Dinner or barbecue cookout dinner in Big Bend National Park.

Mayflower recognizes that 2014 is the year of escorted travel to the Parks and invites you to meet Milton, our National Parks Ambassador.

Shouldn't you and your clients become "Travel Contrarians?" Don't miss out!